Acupuncture and Integrative Health Clinic

Happy (Chinese) New Year!

2011-02-03T05:39:00.005-07:00

It's the the Year of the Rabbit. May this year bring you all many blessings!!

"Xin Nian Kuai Le", or as business people say "Gong Xi Fa Cai".

Yours in Health,
Michelle

Don't Let the Sun Go Down in Your Body...Boost that Vitamin D!!

2010-10-26T22:05:00.006-07:00

I've written articles before on the importance of Vitamin D. I personally believe the current RDA is relatively low and most MD's seem to be edging towards an intake of 1,000-2,000 i.u's per day. However, that being said, it is always a great idea to ask your PCP to get a Vitamin. D level done at your next annual exam.

Several of the following drugs increase the risk for and severity of vitamin D insufficiency. The following are a few of the drugs that cause the deficiencies.

Allopurinol (gout) – Results in lowered levels of vitamin D.

Anticonvulsants – Increased risk for vitamin D deficiency with resulting increased risk for osteoporosis.

Cimetidine – Reduces the conjugation of vitamin D.

Oral corticosteroids – Reduced calcium absorption and inhibited vitamin D formation in the liver.

Heparin – Interferes with vitamin D function and increases the risk for osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Mineral oil – Interferes with vitamin D absorption.

-list courtesy of Harry O. Eidenier Jr. of DSD International

The Power of Laughter

2010-09-07T11:08:00.004-07:00

My friend and colleague Jacob Schor, ND wrote a great article about the power of laughter and I couldn't agree more. We all need some humor when healing. Of course Jacob has scientific studies in his article, he's Jacob Schor! Enjoy

Referral time :)

2010-09-03T15:47:00.002-07:00

Oh how I have neglected this blog. I apologize. Sometimes life simply does get in the way! So I will start by offering a referral to a great massage therapist in the Denver area. Her name is Robyn Aasmunstad. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist with an office at 309 Cherokee Street (Baker District). Her # is 720 837-5223.

I lost touch with her for a couple years and was glad to see she is still practicing in the metro area. Treat yourself if you can. Flu season is coming up and stress lowers all our immune systems! Massage, as well as acupuncture, can greatly boost your immune system!

228 million eggs recalled!!!

2010-08-18T06:55:00.002-07:00

Huge Recall of eggs from a farm in Iowa. Colorado is included in this recall. All the brands are listed in the link.

"Scoops Of Flesh" aka...time for the mammogram!

2010-06-24T19:24:00.006-07:00

"Scoops of Flesh" is the term that came to mind today when I had my annual mammogram. Anyone who has had a mammogram will know what I mean. I hope everyone takes the time to get this very important test done. It is very easy to forget. And depending upon which doctor you go to, it is either after 35 or after 40 that this test becomes an annual staple. And then depending upon breast cancer history, you may be put into different rooms and categories when getting the test done. Regardless, just get it done. It doesn't matter if you have any breast cancer history or not, you can still get breast cancer. And early detection is always the best.

If you live in or around the Denver area, I highly recommend The Women's Imaging Center. They have 3 locations: Denver, Lakewood and Littleton and their Central scheduling # is 303-321-2273.

PRODUCT RECALL: Includes Children's Tylenol and Motrin products

2010-05-01T16:45:00.001-07:00

Please hit on this link for the full recall.

People to Know

2010-04-28T10:47:00.005-07:00

As part of my 'People to Know' segment I want to spotlight a website this time. A little unorthodox, but on this website are therapists who I believe could be great 'People to Know'. See....it kind of made sense. "Somatic Experiencing" is based upon the work of Peter Levine, author of 'Waking the Tiger'. And I have seen firsthand how powerful this work is when integrated with the acupuncture I do for PTSD. On this link for the website is all the information about "SE", as well as a directory for practitioners who do this work in all 50 states. When referring to someone who I think can benefit from "SE" I have referred to Teri Sullivan Lutz here in Denver. Her information can be found on the website in the practitioner directory. If interested in just the overall mind body connection to trauma, I cannot emphasize enough to pick up a copy Peter Levine's 'Waking the Tiger'. It's a great first step to understanding how it is not "all in your head".

Robert Crayhon

2010-04-26T14:19:00.004-07:00

When I first started practicing nutrition, Robert Crayhon was definitely a name to know. He founded a well known supplement company and he hosted THE best seminars called Boulderfest. This annual festival would bring together Doctors, Naturopaths, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors....all practitioners in the same room discussing the new breakthroughs in medicine and nutraceuticals from across the world, not just in the US. He is a pioneer in the nutrition world. I was fortunate to know him those early years and have him answer my many questions but as anyone who knew him could tell you...getting him to sit still was a rare thing. It was very sad to get this email today. My thoughts are with you Robert.

For those of you who have not heard, Robert Crayhon was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. After surgery to remove as much of the mass as possible he is out of the hospital and receiving IPT treatment to slow the growth of the cancer.

He has a good support team with lots of experience in colorectal cancer but a major complication is derailing his ability to get the best treatment. Robert sold Crayhon Research last year and was counting on income from that sale to propel his next venture in nutrition and to fund his upcoming conferences, and would have used the income to stage his battle with cancer. However, the purchaser of Crayhon Research recently filed bankruptcy leaving Robert without any income. Robert has also exhausted his savings on his current medical expenses.

To help Robert a donation site has been established here: Robert Crayhon Cancer Battle Donations
Please donate whatever you can to help our friend and a great mentor in the field of nutrition. He is entirely dependant upon his friends and colleagues to help him finance his war on cancer and his cachexia.

There is also a website where you can offer moral support to Robert here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/robertcrayhon

And Robert has a blog site dedicated to talking about his experience with cancer: http://www.crayhoncoloncancer.blogspot.com/

Thank you.

David Vaughan

9 News Health Fair...A great way to get those tests you need

2010-04-20T06:40:00.005-07:00

The 9 News Health Fair is underway and this is a great time to get some bloodwork done for very low prices. I heard they are even offering Vitamin D testing at certain sites for $40. I included a link to their hompage to find out where all the sites are. If you suspect your cholesterol is high or even questionable, please bring that up and see if they can get a CRP (C-Reactive Protein) and Homocysteine level. Not sure if that is possible, but it is worth a shot. Regardless, this Health Fair is a great opportunity for anyone to get low cost bloodwork and testing done.

Acupuncture Article in The Wall Street Journal 3/23/2010

2010-03-26T14:02:00.004-07:00

I always enjoy it when my patients snip out articles they find in the paper mentioning acupuncture and its validity and bring them to me. I know partly it is validation for their family and peers that what they have been spending their money on, no matter how much they can tell them it is working, is not 'voodoo medicine'. But I keep them and put them up in my office. This last one had a huge color picture of the ear, my love and one of my specialties, with acupuncture needles sticking out of it and all these points labeled. My favorite....the "drunk point". In textbooks, this is usually referred to as the "alcohol point", but hey...I'll take The Wall Street Journal's take on that. Whatever gets people to read the article and try acupuncture! Here is the article.

The Sunshine Vitamin that is Good for You Year Round

2010-03-14T13:17:00.002-07:00

Known to some as the 'sunshine vitamin', Vitamin D has become very popular. Even though our body's produce vitamin D in response to sunlight, hence the nickname, if you have milk allergies, adhere to a strict vegetarian diet, or stay out of the sun completely you run the risk of a vitamin D deficiency. We can get Vitamin D naturally from a few foods, such as fish, beef liver, egg yolks, fortified dairy, certain grains and cod liver oil, but there are certain medical conditions such as Crohns, Celiac disease and Cystic fibrosis which can affect your intestinal wall's ability to process Vitamin D directly from your food, so supplementation is necessary. But even without those specific health issues, supplementing with Vitamin D daily is becoming increasing popular for overall health.

Taking Vitamin D with your calcium is essential for strong bones because it helps the body use that calcium from the diet. Traditionally, Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with rickets, a disease in which the bone tissue doesn't properly mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities. Luckily, rickets is not as common a disease in the US. Some symptoms, however, of a Vitamin D deficiency would be bone pain and muscle weakness. Thus I always recommend supplementing with Vitamin D if there is a history of broken bones or hairline fractures for all you athletes out there. Low blood levels of Vitamin D have also been associated with cancer, severe asthma in children, increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment in older adults. And I know in my clinic I have seen a difference giving people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) higher amounts of Vitamin D during the fall and winter months.

Some research has even suggested that Vitamin D could play a role in hypertension, multiple scelerosis, type 1 and type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance. Making this inexpensive vitamin all the more attractive.

A common question asked is how people become Vitamin D deficient. Well, fortunately, over time we have all become aware that direct exposure to the suns rays can be harmful. So as we limit our time in the sun, we limit the amount of Vitamin D the body makes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Also as we age our kidneys, which convert the Vitamin D to its active form, are less able to do so, thus increasing a risk for a deficiency. Then as mentioned above, if you have certain medical conditions like Crohns, Cystic Fibrosis or Celiac Disease, there is an increased inability to absorb the Vitamin D directly from the foods you eat. Remember we are not so much what we eat, as we are what we absorb.

There are tests to check for Vitamin D Deficiency. The most accurate way to measure how much Vitamin D is in your body is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. In the kidney, 25-hydroxy Vitamin D changes into an active form of the vitamin. The active form of the vitamin can be measured through the blood. This active form of Vitamin D helps control phosphate and calcium levels in the body. The normal range is 30.0 to 74.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). A level lower than 30.0 usually indicates a Vitamin D deficiency .

How much Vitamin D should someone take? Now this is where it gets sticky because there is no consensus on levels of Vitamin D required for optimal health. There is a lack of any evidence to support a RDA for Vitamin D. Even talking with fellow colleagues I admire and refer to I can find Vitamin D recommendations that go from the basic 2,000 i.u a day all the way to 50,000 i.u. And none of them are actually incorrect. It depends on what you are working on, what their tests showed if you have those results, and of course as always patient needs and compliance. I even carry a chewable Vitamin D that tastes great because I have clients that don't want to take any more pills. And kids like it too. :) Just check with your licensed practitioner for any supplement recommendations and dosage requirements.

For me, Vitamin D, has become one of my favorite vitamins to recommend. It has the things my clients really like....it works, it's cheap, and it has research to back it up. A dose of sunshine in a bottle, what could be better that that?

Shadowcliff HIV/AIDS Retreat Info

2010-03-07T15:22:00.004-07:00

Thought I'd just copy my friend Michael's email here for all who may be interested in Shadowcliff. I use to volunteer my services there years ago. It is an amazing place and retreat. Words cannot express how magical this place in Grand Lake, CO is, and the people who attend and make it possible. Shadowcliff will always have a special place in my heart.

Friends of the Retreat at Shadowcliff ....

Pre-registration is now open for the 20-TEN HIV Retreats at Shadowcliff !! There are 2 retreats this year:
June 10-13
and
July 29-Aug 1

For updated information on the retreat, please visit:
www.HIVretreat.blogspot.com

To pre-register, click on the link in the section titled "Registration". Remember you do not pay now, acknowledgement and final confirmation will come later.
Please forward to any individuals, groups, or organizations who you think may be interested.
I am very much looking forward to this year's retreats.

FYI .......
Check out the current issue (02-24-10) of OutFront Colorado (paper form or online). Each year they do a reader's survey for most "OUTstanding" in a variety of categories. This year, the HIV Retreat at Shadowcliff won for most OUTstanding HIV/AIDS Service, and TEN (Treatment Educat10n Network, the organization for the retreat, the forums, the newsletter, the support group, and the blog) won for most OUTstanding Organization. We would like to thank everyone who voted for us and made this happen!

Cheers and be well!
Michael

Chilean Earthquake Relief- Hits Home

2010-02-28T12:22:00.003-07:00

For those of you who may not know, my father is Chilean, and all my family on that side live in Chile. Luckily, they are all okay after the devastating earthquake this past weekend. There was structural damage to all their homes and my uncle and 2 cousins are still stuck at the beach because the roads back to Santiago are either too badly damaged to drive back on or completely destroyed. Chileans are strong people and I know they will build their country back but it is difficult to sit here in Colorado and see the damage on the news and just feel helpless.

The American Red Cross has an International Relief Fund that was started to help Haiti and now is in place for Chile. If interested, this is the best way to make sure funds get where they should. All donations are tax deductible. I will be having a donation jar in my office from now on and will be sending the money to this organization. But here is the information if interested in making a donation. Please put "Chile Earthquake Relief Fund" in the memo section of the check so it goes to the right relief organization.

American Red Cross

P.O. Box 97089

Washington, D.C 20090-7089

I know you can also text and it sends $ automatically from your phone but do not know the exact #'s for this. Please check with your plan to make sure it is legit.

MidChix website and article

2010-02-12T16:37:00.003-07:00

Have a look at an article on yours truly. I was touched to have a client want to write this about me. This site was the brainchild of 2 very groovy 'chicks', pun intended, who felt they wanted to make a networking site, like Facebook, for the over 40 crowd. Here is the link to the article and the website can be found from there. Join and have fun!

People to Know.....

2010-02-09T20:26:00.007-07:00

Every month I will highlight a local business, practitioner and/or layperson that would make a great referral and someone I would recommend to a friend not just a client. This month that practitioner is Dr. Mark Ebadi.
Dr. Mark Ebadi embodies everything you want in a doctor. A no BS attitude, a warm, caring spirit, and brains! I am proud to know him as a colleague who not only respects what I do, his brother is an acupuncturist in California, but also personally. He has treated my family and found what I term medical mysteries that the pediatricians missed. While he is not necessarily medicine happy, he is medicine smart. There are so many people affected by allergies here in Colorado, and so many drugs for them. Taking the right combination is the most important thing. If acupuncture, herbs and/or supplements can't do it, I don't hesitate to send people Mark's way because I know they will be in good hands. He is great with kids and adults and his Lowry office has always been very friendly and accomodating.
I was reminded this month of just how good this doctor is, so for February and my first 'People to Know'..I want Dr. Mark Ebadi to be at the top of the list.

Here is the link to his office website.

Don't forget your Oxygen Mask

2010-02-05T14:27:00.003-07:00

When you board a plane they always tell you in case of emergency make sure you place your oxygen mask over your face first and then over your child's. It is amazing to me how this actually can translate into everyday life. Everyday, we are so busy doing for others that I think we forget our personal oxygen masks. We worry about everyone else and put everyone else's needs before our own because it is looked upon as being selfish sometimes to take that time out for ourselves and find what it is that gives us oxygen. Sometimes it is just simply....oxygen. Taking 10 minutes out of the day to simply breath and meditate with no interruptions.

When I went to a seminar on Brain Chemistry in October the speaker told us all how he took one day completely off with no plans. After we all stopped rolling our eyes because we all assumed that of course this guy can do this, he probably makes 6 figures and has a wife to pick up the kids and doesn't have to worry about errands and cleaning I realized he was saying this for his own health and ours. He had burnt himself out by doing the seminars, the practice, the traveling and this was the only way to recharge and be back with his family.

I think whatever you decide is your oxygen, grab it. The lesson is that we all need to put on our masks first because if we don't get ourselves healthy, our kids, our relationships, our life is just going to be an extension of how little oxygen we are allowing ourselves to breath. And we just cannot exist on carbon alone.

Acupuncture and PTSD

2010-01-30T15:02:00.005-07:00

I received my monthly 'Acupuncture Today' and was thrilled to see an article on a program helping Vets recover from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). To paraphrase the article, The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin had partnered with a non profit called Save a Vet (http://www.saveavet.com/) and a Veterans Advocacy council to assist in helping veterans and their families in returning to happy, productive and successful civilian lives. Now it is very easy for all of us to undertstand how anyone coming back from war could be given a diagnosis of PTSD. Just like we probably could understand such a diagnosis with those who are now suffering with the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. But PTSD is actually very widespread, and whether it is diagnosed or not, the symptoms can be debilitating for anyone suffering from any trauma. Losing a family member, workplace harrassment, being in a motor vehicle accident or even witnessing a horrific accident can all lead to trauma. And this trauma, if not dealt with, finds a place in the body and eventually comes out in physiological ways too...such as sleep disorders and mood disorders. That is where acupuncture comes in.

When I decided to study even more about neurotransmitters and brain science and go into working with acupuncture for depression and anxiety, I knew the trauma piece was just as important. I am fortunate to have a great referral network of western practitioners who believe in what I do as much as I believe in what they do. When you do this work you have to know about medication and its side effects since many people may be on, or coming off of various western medications. Chinese herbs as well as nutritional supplements can help but all have various effects themselves, so a licensed practitioner has to know what to combine and what not to.

So how does acupuncture work for PTSD?

I have found over the years of working with trauma that is is best to nourish the client first. Every client is coming in at different stages of trauma. To move 'Qi' right away is a mistake that many practitioners make and can send a patient into an anxiety attack. So can too many needles and doing too many different types of therapies at once, such as doing cupping, then needling, then biopuncture. It's asking the body to process too much information at once. Keeping the therapy simple and working to move the stagnant energy blocked by the certain emotions that that client is holding onto while you ground the client and get that 'fight or flight' response to calm down. That's a very simplified version of a first treatment.

I also practice japanese style needling with trauma which is generally less invasive, but to be honest this is because I myself am needle sensitive and when I graduated from my Masters program this type of needling was just the type I felt drawn to. But for sports injuries of course it's chinese needling all the way :). And as anyone who has been to my clinic can attest to, I always do auricular, ear acupuncture, for everything. That is my love! And that is SO significant in trauma work.

With the ear is where you work on the sympathetic nervous system, that 'fight or flight', and stop it being 'on' 24/7. It is the norm for people who have been traumatized to have their defenses up and their fight or flight switch on all the time. What happens when you have that on all the time is you start to perceive danger at the smallest things.....you startle easily, you anger easily and you basically become a walking raw nerve. Sleep disorders become the norm, as well as mood disorders, so insomnia and anxiety and depression are very common.

When you incorporate the ear and start needling the areas of the brain that are affected in trauma, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, you can have such breakthroughs. Sleep gets better, energy gets balanced and moods improve. It is amazing to see the transformation in clients.

I think the biggest step for those with any trauma is always just making the first appointment and coming in. It is a huge deal to be given a diagnosis of PTSD and feeling so vulnerable. But help is out there.

*Sidenote: for those needle phobic or with trauma related to needles, all my treatments can be done with a shonishin (pediatric) kit...no needles. And auricular acupuncture can be done with ear seeds.

Menopause and Big Pharma...a Must Read!

2009-12-13T11:58:00.002-07:00

This was in NY Times online today. I found it to be a great overall article on Big Pharma's role in HRT and your health...or lack of it. So here is another article from them.

Go Play Tetris!

2009-12-11T18:30:00.005-07:00

I came across an interesting article in the NY Times online I wanted to share. It showed a positive change in peoples reactions having viewed traumatic events after playing Tetris. They became less reactive. I am interested in finding out if this is the same part of the brain that is affected in EMDR, helping to neutralize the event.
http://www.nytimes.com/projects/magazine/ideas/2009/#t-2.html

"Fire in the Gut, Fire in The Brain"

2009-10-21T11:01:00.012-07:00

I went to a fabulous seminar over the weekend on Neurotransmitters and Brain Chemistry. It left me with many new ideas to ponder and apply in my practice...and of course with my brain feeling a little fried. But that is usually a sign of a great seminar for me, coming out feeling invigorated, overwhelmed and excited all at once. One of the key points he mentioned was for all of us to give ourselves one day off a week to do absolutely nothing. With 2 children, I find this difficult, because even on a supposed "day off", I am trying to fit in the laundry, the groceries, all the extras. So, for all of our health...there must start to be a personal day we choose to take where nothing is scheduled. Now on that day if we decide to go grocery shopping...fine. But it can't be the plan. We'll see how I do with this. Picking the day will be tough!

But, beyond that relatively simple concept, there were so many medical concepts thrown at us this weekend and how important brain health is to our overall state of being. Many practitoners look right at the adrenals, or the gut and ignore the brain all together....and that can't bring about permanent change over time. You always have to look at the brain. "Fire in the gut, Fire in the brain". .

Also acknowledged was the Brain Model of Alternative Medicine...although I like the term 'Complementary' Medicine much better. This includes, Massage, Acupuncture and Manipulation. All of these have been found to enhance Brain stimulation which in turn, enhances Endocrine and Immune modulation. Some studies were even cited with electro-acupuncture with regards to its cerebral response on a functional MRI. This was in 2007 using point LI4. The distribution of signally deactivated area evoked by LI4 was similar to the distribution of the anatomical orientation of pain in brain, and closely related to the limbic system. Showing correlation of acupuncture's analgesic effect.

Then in 2005 there was a study confirming that electroacupuncture treatment increases NK cell activity, and in 2007 a study was done on rats to explore the mecahnism of electroacupunture in improving ischemic stroke.

It's nice to have these recent studies and their positive outcomes because people always ask me for the science behind the 'voodoo' medicine. And I know there have been more in the field of oncology....these are just with neurology and acupuncture.

So....easiest thing to do is try and take a day off somewhere. Stop drinking diet soda, and yes...gluten free is a good thing. But I even find that difficult. However, you will know if Gluten free works for you because once you go Gluten free and your brain fog disappears..that is the clue. Remember 'Fire in the Gut, Fire in the Brain'.

And no....it is not 'easy'. It is a science and once you find the right pathway it is amazing and can be miraculous...but as always one should go to someone who goes to seminars, gets continuing education in these things and actually has a practice to apply these concepts. I loved that the speaker even addressed that principle at this seminar. Did you know in the state of Colorado the Naturopathic Doctors are not licensed and thus not regulated. Please check that your ND went to an accredited school...not an online school where he/she got a degree in a year for a small amount of money. Here is a link to help you find a reputable Colorado ND http://www.coloradond.org/ . The ND profession is a respectable profession and it has been watered down horribly by those who got their degrees by bogus schools and have no real education. Another example of this in my opinion is the fact that chiropractors and Medical doctors can take a 180 hour course and take the national exam and be licensed acupuncturists. Do you want to go to someone who passed an exam by reading cliff notes? Licensed acupuncturists who go to accredited schools attend for over 4 years, graduating with a Masters Degree. It's your body and your money...take good care of it.

Tis the Season....to spread the germs

2009-10-01T11:49:00.006-07:00

Flu and cold season is here. There is a lot of fear with the new 'Swine Flu', or H1N1 virus, so I included this link to hopefully help answer any immediate questions about it. I have already seen it in my clinic and was shocked to find out that my client got it from a classmate who came to school sick for a week before finally getting diagnosed because she didn't want to ruin her perfect attendance at school. Remembering to wash hands and cough into your sleeve are still the best precautions we can take. And parents, if your child is sick, or if you are sick...please stay home and rest. Perfect attendance is not that important!

People often ask me to come up with a list of at home staples they can keep on hand for this season. To keep it simple, here are some things you could have and take.

Vitamin D at 2,000i.u's per day is great in the fall...and actually all year round. There are so many things Vit. D does and we need more of it as we get less sun. But it can help prevent the flu. 2,000 i.u's is an adult dose. Plus it is very inexpensive!! We like that!

Good old fashioned Vit. C. is a good immune booster. Ester C is less harsh on the stomach lining. They even have some good tasting wafers out there. Taking more as you feel a cold coming on can help, and if you take a multivitamin I am sure there is some in there already, so adding on to that when you feel that tickle in the throat or a runny nose is a good idea.

If you are a client in my clinic you know I love probiotics. So if you are a heathcare worker or a teacher, tis the season to up the dosage to even 16 billion live cells. 8 billion is the one I have by Pharmax in my clinic called HLC hi potency. This is a broad spectrum one. I think it is one of the best. No, you cannot get enough from eating yogurt. Sorry Jamie Lee Curtis.

If you get a cough, I adore Nectadyn cough syrup. This is not for kids under 2 because the base is a honey base. It is also not available at stores just sold to clinicians. So you can get it from your practitioner.. if they like it as much as I do. But this stuff works well, tastes great and is homeopathic. Works on all kinds of coughs...dry, wet, etc...which is great, since often the type of cough can change within a cold.

Also homeopathicwise, I find MHP's Viral Immune and Bacterial Immune work well preventatively and in the midst of an attack. Also not available in stores but licensed practitioners who carry MHP will have these during cold/flu season defintitely! Plus they are a local company...love that. They also carry an amazing elderberry lozenge that is is a great immune booster and tastes good too. Releases into the system right away.

Beyond that, there are many nasal sprays that I carry that are great but I will tell you of one product you can get at Walgreens that I think it wonderful. Neil-Med Sinus Rinse. I rarely endorse things, but this product I do. It is very simply Sodium chloride and Sodium bicarbonate packets you put in distilled lukewarm water in a patented (I'm sure) designed plastic bottle. It's more simple than a Neti pot and works well to open stubborn nasal passages. I have found it to work for people who did not have success with other things. They even have a pediatric kit...but getting a child younger than 6 years old to do this...well...sometimes a metered dose nasal spray is a lot easier.

Treatmentwise, of course, nothing beats cupping for getting that crud out of the lungs if you do get sick. Or to practice preventative medicine, acupuncture is wonderful for helping to boost the immune system this time of year.

Now that's the kind of healthcare no one can argue about.

FDA issues ZICAM WARNING

2009-06-16T22:01:00.006-07:00

The FDA issued a warning today about Zicam products causing a loss of smell due to the ingredient zinc being sprayed or swabbed in the nasal cavity overtime. Below is the link to the FDA's warning.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105483442

Swine Flu: 5 Things to Know...as of 4/27/2009

2009-04-27T08:28:00.002-07:00

I found this link to be the most helpful right now as we all just learn about the possibilities of what this swine flu means to all of us. Please note, a 'National emergency' has to be ordered so that agencies can release funding and start to be prepared. It does make people get alarmed but I believe there is cause for concern due to the fact this is a new strain, but not panic. Hope this link is helpful.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090427/hl_time/08599189402900

Dining Out For Life

2009-04-25T17:37:00.002-07:00

Thursday, April 30th you have more reason to eat out at some great restaurants around town when 25% of your food bill goes directly to Project Angelheart. Project Angelheart helps deliver nutritious meals, free of charge year round to nearly 1,700 men, women and children coping with life-threatening illness. Eat at some great places and know you are helping others by doing so...sounds pretty easy and delicious!

For the complete list, please visit www.projectangelheart.org or call 303-830-0202.

9 News Health Fair

2009-04-13T20:02:00.003-07:00

The 9 News Health Fair is coming up and this is a way for many to get low cost screenings and testings done. I urge any of you to take advantage of this great opportunity to get bloodwork done, cholesterol levels checked, thyroid levels checked...even ask if they will do those CRP's (C-Reactive Protein's!!). And by all means if you get the bloodwork back and it makes no sense and want to go over it all, bring it in with you at your next appointment. I'd be happy to help you make sense of all those #'s.

Here is the link to the 9 News website with all the information. Be good to yourself, be healthy!

http://www.9healthfair.org/

Happy Spring

2009-03-23T21:46:00.004-07:00

Although the weather in Colorado is very unpredictable in April and May, allergies are not. They keep coming. I have started seeing people since mid february with itchy throats and runny noses, and with the more milder weather this year it seems that they are starting to experience some symptoms sooner than expected.

Don't wait til you feel awful, make your appointment at the first sign of that allergen sneaking up again. For my daughter, I know it is allergy time when I hear those consecutive sneezes coming from her bedroom in the early morning.

With this Spring and into Summer, the clinic has some changes in hours. More flexibility in evenings up to 5 days a week, and full days will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To make an appointment or if you have any questions regarding the clinic and my practice, please call

303-921-6263.

Yours in Health,

Michelle

RIP:TAKI...your kindness and miso live on

2009-03-09T06:58:00.005-07:00

Whenever I have a client just getting a cold or on the brink of the flu I tell them to head to Taki's on the corner of Colfax and Logan for some of his famous Miso soup. Taki's miso soup is THE best and is so inexpensive. I was first introduced to Taki's by my husband who lived in capitol hill when we first started dating.. oh so many years ago. From the outside, I questioned his choice in dining but I was a starving student at the time and Taki's was...and is...cheap....(and good!). I remember I was coming down with a cold and right away this kind man came out from the back and handed me some edamame for free as well as some lemon tea with a piece of fresh cut ginger in it. I think the worn tissue and red eyes were a dead giveaway that I was not feeling too great. Then came the soup I had heard so much about. This giant bowl of great brothed miso soup with fresh cut vegetables and tofu. From then on, I was hooked. And I have been sending people there as often as I can, for the cuisine, and for a glimpse of kindness from this great little man...Mr. Taki.
I was disheartened to hear he had passed away last month of natural causes. Here is the denver post's tribute to Taki...it is very touching. I can just hope his restaurant stays open and that his kindness spreads. We need more of that now in times like these than ever before.

Do Not Defund the NCCAM!

2009-01-18T20:58:00.006-07:00

There is a poll on alternative medicine that has been snuck on to
President Obama's new citizen/feedback initiative, Citizen's Briefing Book.

There is one proposal that's already received lots of votes, a proposal to defund NCCAM. NCCAM stands for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. NCCAM is a government body, part of the National Institutes of Health to research complementary and alternative medicine

You can find information about NCCAM on this link to their website

NCCAM has encouraged good evidence based research to determine which CAM practices are efficacious and which are not. This is valuable!!

The support for eliminating NCCAM in the Citizen's Briefing Book discussion is heavy and volatile. It is being pushed by those who think all alternative medicine is a scam.

I urge you all to take a moment and go to this site and help vote the proposition down:

http://citizensbriefingbook.change.gov/ideas/viewIdea.apexp?id=087800000004y2f

The positions that receive the most votes will catch the attention of Obama's cabinet members. Please take a moment, this is so important!!

The Office will be closed from Wed. Dec.10th- Sunday Dec.14th.

2008-12-08T08:34:00.005-07:00

I will be out of town from Wednesday Dec 10th through Sunday Dec 14th, and unable to fill supplement orders or return any phone calls during that time. I will gladly return all phone messages and fill all supplement orders when I return to the office on Monday Dec 15th. Thank you for your cooperation.

Take Good care...

Yours in Health,
Michelle

WORLD AIDS DAY

2008-11-30T16:37:00.009-07:00

It is amazing to think that is was 20 years ago that I went to the first funeral of a friend of mine who passed away from AIDS. Back then it was much scarier and unknown and anyone who had the "gay cancer" as it was naively referred to back then, was sure they were going to die very soon. That is just not the case. People who are HIV+and/or living with AIDS have full lives and the stigmatism that was once there which spawned movies, such as "Longtime Companion' and 'And the Band Played On', luckily make those same movies seem very trivial and outdated now. But the epidemic is still around and the funding, unfortunately, is not. It has been cut drastically and every year I see less and less PR about the local AIDS walk, and more and more about the cancer walk. I am hoping there is room in everyones busy schedules and pocketbooks for both. I do not know anyone who has not been touched by HIV/AIDS in some way by now. 25 years after the first case was documented we have no cure, and millions have died. Drugs have kept some people living longer but they are also not the answer. We still need the education and funding for it. Let's hope the cure is out there, so that the statistics below do not keep growing at the rate they continue to...it is an epidemic, and with funding being cut, it will only get worse. It may not be the disease de jour anymore, but it has not gone away. Below are some facts. They are horrifying. I did not know that AIDS is the leading cause of death for african american women aged 25 to 34 in the US.

GLOBALLY:
-33.2 million people now live with HIV or AIDS.
-In 2007, approximately 2.5 million people were infected with HIV.
-Every day, over 6800 people become infected with HIV - almost five people per minute.
-5700 people die from AIDS every day.
-One child dies every minute.
-15 million children around the world have been orphaned by AIDS, losing one or both parents to the disease.
-Every fifteen seconds, another person age 15-24 becomes infected with HIV/AIDS.

IN THE US:
-Roughly one million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States.
-Since the start of the AIDS epidemic, 1.5 million Americans have been infected with HIV and more than 524,000 have died of AIDS.
-At least 40,000 people are infected each year.
-African Americans account for 48% of new HIV infections.
-AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American women aged 25 to 34 and HIV rates among Hispanic women are increasing.
-The number of women living with HIV has tripled in the last two decades.
-At least half of all new infections are among people under the age of 25.
-Washington, DC has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the United States - one in 20 people are living with HIV or AIDS.

What can we all do?

Get the Facts, Get Involved, Get Tested

Local #'s are:

Colorado AIDS Project/Denver: 303-837-0166

Boulder County AIDS Project : 303-444-6121

The Office Has Moved!!

2008-11-08T16:29:00.005-07:00

I am delighted to announce that starting October 1st, 2008, the acupuncture clinic will be at a new location, still very centrally located near I25 and Colorado Blvd.

The official address is 1780 South Bellaire Street. Suite 695 Denver, Colorado 80222. The Phone # is the same, 303-921-6263, and office hours are Monday- Friday with evening hours offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I look forward to welcoming you all to the new space. The whole building seems very holisitic with many other massage therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists throughout...as well as psychotherapists, medical equipment specialists and of course, mortgage companies and investment firms.....those seem to be everywhere, don't they?. A new website is also in the works...a little more high tech and up to date than this blog, to try and catch me up to the latest online abilities fusing with my field and practice.

So, will I finally keep with my horribly broken 2008 New Years resolution and start to write more? Well, believe it or not, a blog entry is coming soon.... And many more may be sprinkled with health tidbits and facts.....some pretending to be facts... found along the way. Some funny, some thoughtprovoking, some controversial, some ridiculous.

Glad to be back. And hope to see you soon. Check back when you can.

Yours in Health,

Michelle

Riches and Resolutions

2007-12-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

I have not updated this website/blog in quite awhile.....I believe that will be one of my New Years Resolutions, that hopefully I can keep. In the meantime, I came across this wonderfully written essay in Newsweek that I wanted to share with you. May we all be so rich!

Much Peace, Joy and Good Health to you in the New Year,

Michelle

Even Little Things Matter

2007-07-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

I think at times the crisis the planet is facing as far as the environment goes can seem overwhelming. But even doing little things can make a big difference. Turning off the computer instead of leaving it on with a screen saver at night, unplugging your chargers when not in use, inflating your tires so you don't use as much gas, using less paper napkins at those summer BBQ's. Here are the top ten things we can try to do to help save the environment.

http://www.earthday.net/resources/2006materials/Top10.aspx

Death Sentence for Guilty party in tainted food cases from China

2007-05-29T17:32:00.001-07:00

Just saw this headline regarding the tainted food, antibiotics and pet food that came from China killing so many beloved pets recently and sickening many adults and children.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070529/ap_on_re_as/china_tainted_food

If it Sounds Too Good to be True.....

2007-03-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

When I first started my practice I joined a fellow acupuncturist who had been in practice for almost 10 years. He, like myself, was trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine but had incorporated the world of nutritional pharmaceutical grade supplementation into his already very successful practice. At first I was reluctant to even look into it because the amount of information was intimidating and there was a great deal of western medicine and pharmaceutical knowledge one needed to know to really be good at it. Most of my patients, as with most of the western world, are on some sort of prescription drugs, so I wanted to make sure I knew as much as I could regarding various interactions. That is a lifelong education. But as I got more into the nutritional aspect I started to see how much bogus information and companies there were out there too. Companies that were in it just to make money, people who were in it just for the money, and people distributing supplements with basically no nutritional background or education. It started to really bother me seeing people come through my door with 10 bottles of supplements, monthly bills of $100's of dollars and them not knowing how they ended up on so many and still having the symptoms that prompted them to seek out alternative nutritional help in the first place. Dead giveaways of sketchy companies and reps/distributors are phrases like "this cured me", or "I have never seen anything like this" or "I want to let you in on the good news". Well the old saying really is the best to go by when sifting through the BS of many of these: If it sounds too good to be true, then it is. If great health were one simple pill, juice or powder away there would be no need for western medicine or eastern medicine, we would all be taking that pill, using that company. If we all answered those ads that said "you too can make 6 figures your first year", then we would all not be worrying about the cost of gas and late night TV would have no ads. Health is a process. A good practitioner knows when to refer and makes a great network of like minded ethical practitoners who can help find all the pieces of the puzzle.

Don't get me wrong, I give out nutritional supplements because I do think they work well. But I also think there needs to be some regulation or standard so that if the patient has any bad interactions there is accountability. Just like someone off the street isn't able to buy acupuncture needles and set up shop after reading a book on acupuncture, so should a person not be able to sell supplements after just reading some companies pamphlets. Those of us living in Colorado are blessed because we have many great ND's. MD's. L.Ac's. etc, etc. but given the populations openness to 'alternative' therapies, we also have a lot who hold no real credentials.

The chinese medicine commuity saw the dangers of the wrong herb in the wrong hands when the FDA banned Ephedra. The fact that ephedra was misused as a weight loss supplement and stimulant when its main purpose was for asthma is criminal. And the fact that it is illegal now for chinese practitioners to give out such a popular bronchodialator is ridiculous. So the fact that people with no nutritional knowledge are selling these supplements and then not being held accountable is very scary. Basically pharmceutical grade high quality nutritional supplement companies can only sell to those with licenses. These companies adhere by strict quality control regulations and cannot sell to patients directly. This is for the patients protection as well as the companies. And the cost to the patient is always less than it if it was a MLM, who are known for having trace amounts in bottles and high prices to make up for distribution costs.

Just ask yourself this question, if you had children, would you send them to someone unregulated, uninsured, with no real knowledge about child development?

So why would you do the same thing to your mind and body?

Mind and Body

2007-01-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick FYI: In case you don't get TIME magazine, or even if you do, but just don't read it, I highly recommend the latest edition dated Jan.29th. It covers many facets of brain science and the study of the mind, including my practice favorite.... how stress affects the brain.

Happy New Year and Synergy for all!

2007-01-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

I had a patient ask me why taking B6 with 5HTP makes it work better, and ironically just received this condensed reader friendly explanation of why from a nutraceutical company...so here it is. May 2007 find all your neurotransmitters working synergistically.

Serotonin production is tightly regulated in the body. Serotonin taken orally does not pass into the serotonergic pathways of the central nervous system because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. However, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), from which serotonin is synthesized, can and does cross the blood-brain barrier. Production of serotonin from 5 HTP requires a decarboxylase enzyme that is dependent on vitamin B6. One product of serotonin breakdown is 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5 HIAA) which is excreted in the urine. Serotonin and 5 HIAA are sometimes produced in excess amounts by certain tumors or cancers. Certain drugs are capable of leading to overproduction of serotonin such as ecstasy. Click here for neurotransmitter chart.

Weighing in on Bacteria

2006-12-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

"Weight May Be Linked to Type of Bacteria"

http://www.comcast.net/news/health/index.jsp?cat=HEALTHWELLNESS&fn=/2006/12/20/545868.html&cvqh=itn_bacteria

Due to a Death in the Family, the office will be closed from Nov.27th-Dec.2nd. Thank you for your understanding.

2006-11-27T02:54:00.000-07:00

FDA: Tamiflu Patients Need Monitoring

2006-11-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

FDA: Tamiflu Patients Need Monitoring
BY ANDREW BRIDGES, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Patients who take Tamiflu should be closely monitored for signs of abnormal behavior, health officials said Monday in announcing an updated label for the flu drug.
The added precaution comes after reports of more than 100 new cases of delirium, hallucinations and other unusual psychiatric behavior in children treated with the drug. Most were Japanese children.

The Food and Drug Administration said a relationship between the drug and the behavior had not been established and that the updated label was "intended to mitigate a potential risk associated with Tamiflu." It recommends that close monitoring begin immediately after starting treatment with the drug.

FDA said it had received 103 reports, mostly from Japan, of injury and delirium among the millions of flu patients treated with Tamiflu. The changes bring the U.S. label more in line with the Japanese one, which already warned such abnormal behavior could occur. The previous FDA-approved label mentioned "seizure and confusion" seen in some patients.

Tamiflu is made by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche Holding AG. Roche spokesman Terence Hurley said there was no evidence the drug caused the rarely occurring adverse events.
Both Roche and the FDA also said that severe cases of the flu can spark the abnormal behavior flagged in the updated label.

The surprise change came three days before an FDA panel of outside experts was to discuss whether to recommend that the agency add the precautionary language to the Tamiflu label. In documents released Monday, FDA staff acknowledged that stopping treatment with Tamiflu could actually harm influenza patients if the virus is the cause of delirium, hallucinations and other abnormal behavior, such as aggression and suicidal thoughts.

Last year, the same advisory committee rejected making any such changes to the label. At that time, however, the committee did recommend that the FDA continue to monitor the drug's safety and return a year later with an update.

Health officials have been sensitive about taking any action that might dissuade people from taking Tamiflu, since the drug could play an important role in an outbreak of bird flu. The drug doesn't prevent flu but can reduce the length and severity of its symptoms.
Previously, Roche has cited studies from the United States and Canada that show the death rate of influenza patients who took Tamiflu was far below those who did not.
Most of the new cases of bizarre behavior are from Japan, where Tamiflu usage is the highest in the world. Between 2001 and 2005, Tamiflu was prescribed 24.5 million times in Japan, compared with just 6.5 million in the United States, which has more than twice the population, according to FDA. However, FDA believes U.S. usage could increase to Japanese levels.
The new cases occurred between Aug. 29, 2005, and July 6, 2006. The tally marks a sharp increase when compared with the 126 similar cases logged over more than five years between the drug's approval in 1999 and August 2005, the FDA said.

Even though severe cases of the flu can spark abnormal behavior, the number and nature of the newly reported cases _ along with comments from doctors who believe the behavior was associated with the drug _ keep the FDA from ruling out Tamiflu as the cause, according to agency documents.

Tamiflu is one of the few drugs believed effective in treating bird flu, which health officials fear could spark a pandemic should it mutate into a form easily passed from human to human.
According to the label, Tamiflu is for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to flu in patients 1 year and older who have shown symptoms for no more than two days.

Xylitol...Great for kids, but keep it away from the Dog!

2006-10-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Urbana, Illinois ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center wrote case descriptions of eight adult dogs who suffered from acute liver failure after eating xylitol. Xylitol is the sugar extracted from birch trees. It is very sweet tasting and has many health benefits. When used to sweeten chewing gum it lowers incidence of dental cavities and is useful at preventing recurrent earaches in kids. My 6 year old loves the taste of the peppermint flavored Xylitol gum. And it nice to know he is chewing something that is even beneficial for him.
When people eat xylitol it has little to no effect on insulin levels. But in dogs, this is completely different. Xylitol causes dogs to release large amounts of insulin and the dogs become severely hypoglycemic. A 2004 report described a Labrador retriever who became severely hypoglycemic and needed to be treated with IV sugar solutions after eating xylitol sweetened gum. There is also a recent publication describing eight separate cases where dogs became very ill after eating xylitol containing products. Only two of the dogs survived. An increasing number of food products contain xylitol, for good reason, it tastes good, and is healthy for people. My only complaint is that it doesn't really work for baking, but is a great alternative to sugar in your coffee/tea, or in freshly squeezed lemonade. But just don't let the dog get a hold of it, it can not only be unheathy, but as studies point out, it can easily be deadly.

*Big thank you to Jacob Schor N.D., who helped found the study to back up this entry. To subscribe to his newsletter, please call his office located in Denver. *

Pediatric Ear Infections

2006-09-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

It was reported in JAMA today that a 'Wait-and See' approach to Acute Otitis Media (ear infections) may be the best prescription. I couldn't agree more. Some of the remedies I have also found to be successful, on top of a shonishin treatment for the immune system, is a good saline nose spray with Xylitol, some warm drops of Willow/Garlic Ear Oil (you can even make this yoursef if you want to) and for more intense pain, include a good homeopathic drop such as Otidolo by Pekana. Many ear infections will clear up on their own and are often common around teething times, after immunizations and/or when the immune system is compromised. Of course it is always a good idea if you are concerned to have a medical professional look to make sure the eardrum is intact. I think the hardest thing is for parents to just 'wait and see' as JAMA puts it. Not only is sleep deprivation a distinct possibility, but it is always uncomfortable for a parent to see their child in some discomfort. But the overuse of antibiotics is rampant and unfortunately has led to serious resistance issues. So some TLC , some more 'natural remedies' and time can be good, effective medicine too. Below is the link to JAMA's article and study if interested.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/296/10/1235

Some dangers of Soy Protein

2006-09-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

THE DANGERS OF SOY PROTEIN
By ROY B KUPSINEL, MD.

Soy contains two of substances, daidzein and genistein that are in the family of isoflavones. They bind zinc and other elements,interfere with the protein digestive enzyme trypsin, and antagonize estrogen. Estrogen antagonism may have long-term effects in the female with osteoporosis (weakening of the bone with loss of calcium), fibrocystic disease of the breast; in the male, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), balding, testicular wasting, erectile dysfunction, and sterility. In both sexes, obesity may become a major problem!
Soy also harbors phytic acid. Phytic acid interferes with the assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. The deficiency of these minerals contributes to growth problems in children.
Soy contains phytoestrogens that contribute to infertility, breast cancer, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disease of the thyroid in infants. The "phytos" increase the body's need for vitamin B 12 and vitamin D. The processing of soy produces toxic and carcinogenic substances. Two excitotoxins are produced -- glutamic acid and MSG. Excitotoxins stimulate the nervous system and play a major role in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Soy contains high levels of aluminum, toxic to the nervous system and to the kidneys. Aluminum may be a major factor in Alzheimer's disease along with mercury. Aluminum is common in antiperspirant deodorants, including the Thai stones, aluminum cooking wear, baking soda, vaccinations and aluminum foil. Years ago in Guam, aluminum, as alum, was added to the water to clear its cloudiness. Many developed an illness similar to Multiple Sclerosis. I do not know the status today. Some major sources of mercury poisoning are amalgam fillings, vaccinations, large fish like tuna, and industrial pollution.Although touted as a great source of protein, it is not.
The Soy protein "isolate" that comes in the form a powder is a carcinogen with lysineoline and nitrosamines as the villains. I had my last soy protein drink last week. Soy is used as a form of infant formulas. It has ten times more aluminum than a milk based formula and 100 times more than in unprocessed milk.
Allergies to soy formulas are as common as with milk. Infants on soy formula consume the equivalent to five birth control tablets in a day. Add the adverse effect on the infant's thyroid plus and the increase risk of thyroid cancer. Infant males get a testicular surge and females experience early puberty and menarche. The child may experience immune disorders of the pituitary and thyroid glands.
When soy is fermented, the toxicity decreases. In addition to miso soup, there is a nutritional supplement enzyme, nattokinase. that is used for "thinning" the blood without the dangerous adverse effects of the drugs like coumadin.

-From David S. Klein, MD,

Examples of soy products:

1. Soy meal and soybean oil
2. Soy milk
3. Non-dairy creamer
4. Many "low fat" prepared foods.
5. Bread (soy meal is often mixed with the flour).
6. "Veggie burgers," some hamburger meats.
7. "Lecithin," short for soya lecithin (as opposed to the more expensive egg lecithin, used in Europe.

SeaSilver makers are in trouble with the FDA

2006-08-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Was sent this through Denver Naturopathic's newsletter and thought the timing was uncanny because I too have been asked by patients and fellow practitioners what I thought of SeaSilver. Like Jacob Schor ND below, I stay clear of multi-level-marketing, so Xangojuice, mangosteen, Noni Juice, and all these "cure alls"I will never carry. And usually the people selling them to you have barely any nutritional experience, just want the sales and commission. See what Dr. Schor says in the introduction. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

SeaSilver makers are in trouble with the FDA

Introduction:
Over the course of a year I get asked my opinion of huncreds if not thousands of 'nutritional supplements' by patients who have spent small fortunes on them. Most of you have discovered that I shy away from suggesting use of products sold through multi-level-marketing schemes as a general rule. One popular product over the last year or so that many patients have brought in to show us is a product called Seasilver. The manufacturers of this product are apparently in a bit of hot water with the Federal Trade Commission as described in this recent news release by Consumer Labs:Marketers of Seasilver Ordered to Pay Almost $120 Million.

On July 24, 2006, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the marketers of Seasilver, an alleged phony cure-all, have been ordered to pay almost $120 million for failing to comply with an earlier order requiring them to pay $3 million in consumer redress. In ads for Seasilver, the promoters claimed the product, a liquid dietary supplement containing aloe vera, phyto-silver sea vegetables, herbs, cranberry concentrate, and other ingredients, was clinically proven to treat or cure 650 diseases, including cancer and AIDS, and caused rapid, substantial, and permanent weight loss without dieting.

The FTC alleged that the claims were false and unsubstantiated. In March 2004, the defendants agreed to settle the FTC’s charges. The settlement, filed in federal court, barred the defendants from making false or misleading claims in the future. It also required the defendants to pay $3 million in consumer redress and included a suspended judgment of $120 million, which would become due if the defendants misrepresented their financial status, or did not make the payments as they agreed. To date, Seasilver, USA, Inc. and Americaloe, Inc., and their owners, Bela Berkes and Jason Berkes, have paid less than $1 million of the consumer redress they agreed to pay. Under the Court’s order, entered on June 20, 2006, the Seasilver marketers are now jointly and severally liable to pay the full amount of $119,237,000, plus interest. The FTC has secured liens on the defendants’ assets, including a nursery, an aloe farm, and equipment. The two largest distributors of Seasilver, who were named in the FTC’s complaint and settled the charges, have made their separate court-ordered payments of $1 million and $500,000.

August news

2006-07-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

Happy August! Hopefully there will be some break from the record heat soon.

Starting August 21st, office hours will be 5 days a week, (monday- friday) from 9am-4:30pm. The office is also now credit card friendly, accepting both Mastercard and Visa, and supplement orders can always be picked up after hours if 9-5 doesn't work for you.

Hope the last month of summer allows for some real relaxation and as the picture states, some great watermelon!

Ear Stapling...don't do it!

2006-07-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Considering auricular therapy is one of my specialties, I was intrigued when I received a call asking if I did 'ear stapling'. At first I thought maybe the person meant ear needling but I soon found out that was not the case. Just from hearing about what this was from her I knew 1) it was a scam and 2) probably started by a chiropractor looking for another way to massacre our profession. Now that may seem harsh to those of you who know I refer to chiropractors often, but this is really a heinous thing that is being marketed as an easy weight loss fix that could have dire consequences. Not only is there the obvious risk of infection, but to hear that people are able to buy kits online and even taught to take it out themselves makes me shudder.

After doing more research I found so many horror stories, and the success stories I read started to read much like a marketing scheme..surprise, surprise. I even found a website with someone teaching this for a fee so you could do this and make "lots of money", and a website where a CMT trademarked her own technique. The japanese, french and chinese auricular masters must be turning in their graves..at least the ones who haven't reincarnated.

Are there auricular therapies for weight loss? Of course. These often use the appetite control center within the ear, maybe incorporating the NADA protocol especially if food is an addiction. But even that is too simple. There are many aspects to weight gain and weight loss one must address which a certified, professional acupuncturist/nutritionist will hopefully also address.

Why might this work and how is it explained? Well, just like stomach stapling...the person that came up with this decided to staple the stomach repesentation in the ear. Seems simple and obvious doesn't it. Well, no organ in the ear is meant to have a staple in it for 3-4 months. So, how does it work? My sarcastic guess is that you are in so much pain you don't eat as much. Plus the wishful thinking effect can be very effective especially when you read only the pros to allowing someone to do this to you.

I cannot express how horrified I am by this technique and scam. Just like any 'sounds too good to be true' idea....it is. And even worse is that this can have dire consequences.

There just is no fast and easy way to lose weight....and in my opinion this is just another way to make a "practitioner" rich at your expense.

Want to Lose Weight? Try downsizing your tableware.

2006-07-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

That's the conclusion of a new study that found that the size of bowls, spoons and other tableware influences how much people eat.
The study, by researchers at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., involved 85 food and nutrition experts invited to an ice-cream social.
Each guest randomly received either 17-ounce or 34-ounce bowls and either two-ounce or three-ounce serving scoops. The participants scooped out the ice cream themselves.

"Just doubling the size of someone's bowl increased how much people took by 31 percent," study lead author Brian Wansink, director of Cornell's Food and Brand Lab, said in a prepared statement. "We also saw that giving people a scoop that was a little bit larger increased things by about 14.5 percent," he said.

He noted that even these food and nutrition experts, who were able to judge the size and calorie counts of their portions, couldn't help themselves when given larger bowls and scoops.
"The fact that even they end up being tripped up by these cues just helps to show how ubiquitous and how subversive these illusions can be," said Wansink, a consumer researcher who studies the psychology of food choice.

He noted that experts have documented a number of environmental factors that influence consumption, including the variety of food, music, temperature, and whether people are dining with a faster or slower eater. The size of tableware also appears to be another factor that influences consumption.
"Four ounces of ice cream in a small bowl may appear an appropriate amount for a mid-afternoon snack, but the same in a larger bowl may appear too small, leading one to over-serve," the study authors said.

The findings were expected to be published in the September issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

More information
The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about portion sizes.

ADHD Drugs and ER visits

2006-05-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

Study: ADHD Drugs Send Thousands to ERs
By LINDA A. JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer

Accidental overdoses and side effects from attention deficit drugs likely send thousands of children and adults to emergency rooms, according to the first national estimates of the problem.
Scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated problems with the stimulant drugs drive nearly 3,100 people to ERs each year. Nearly two-thirds _ overdoses and accidental use _ could be prevented by parents locking the pills away, the researchers say.
Other patients had side effects, including potential cardiac problems such as chest pain, stroke, high blood pressure and fast heart rate.
Concerns over those effects have led some doctors to urge the Food and Drug Administration to require a "black box," its most serious warning, on package inserts for drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. Yet even doctors advising the FDA don't agree on whether that's warranted.
The issue was discussed in a series of letters in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, including some from doctors worried about the dangers of not treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
"The numbers (of side effects) are puny compared to the numbers of stimulant prescriptions per year," said Dr. Tolga Taneli, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. "I'm not alarmed."
An estimated 3.3 million Americans who are 19 or younger and nearly 1.5 million ages 20 and older are taking ADHD medicines. Ritalin is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. of East Hanover, N.J.; Concerta by Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J., and Adderall by Shire US Inc. of Newport, Ky.
Twenty-five deaths linked to ADHD drugs, 19 involving children, were reported to FDA from 1999 through 2003. Fifty-four other cases of serious heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes, were also reported. Some of the patients had prior heart problems.
Still, there hasn't been a clear estimate of the scope of side effects. The CDC report, while not a rigorous scientific study, attempts to provide that by using a new hospital surveillance network.
From August 2003 through December 2005, the researchers counted 188 ER visits for problems with the drugs at the 64 hospitals in the network, a representative sample of ERs monitored to spot drug side effects.
Doctors linked use of stimulant ADHD drugs to 73 patients with side effects or allergic reactions. Another 115 accidentally swallowed ADHD pills, including a month-old baby, or took too much.
"These are cases where a young child took someone else's medication or they took too much of their own," CDC epidemiologist Dr. Adam Cohen said of the second group.
Nearly 1 in 5 patients was admitted to the hospital, 1 in 5 needed stomach pumping or treatment with medicines, and 1 in 7 had cardiac symptoms. Sixteen percent of the side effects involved interaction with another drug.
Besides cardiac problems, common symptoms included abdominal pain, rashes and spasms, pain or weakness in muscles, according to Cohen. No patients died.
Extrapolating to all U.S. hospitals, the researchers estimated 3,075 ER visits occur each year.
In another letter in the journal, the heads of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry wrote they are concerned a black box warning would discourage use of ADHD drugs, raising patients' risks of academic failure, substance abuse and other problems.
This past February, an FDA drug safety advisory panel voted 8-7 for a black box warning. The next month, another FDA panel instead recommended data on cardiac and other risks go in a new "highlights" section the agency plans to add to the top of drug inserts.
Dr. Marsha Rappley, pediatrics professor at Michigan State University, and two other doctors on the advisory panels believe the vote for a black box was premature.
She said studies show the drugs raise blood pressure and pulse rates a bit, but it's unknown whether that would harm children taking them for years, and that cardiac risks may be higher for adults.
Dr. Steven Nissen, cardiology chief at the Cleveland Clinic, who had pressed for a black box warning at the FDA panel meeting, said ADHD drugs are powerful stimulants and inherently risky. Nissen and other doctors say the drugs are being prescribed to some who don't need them.
This week, the FDA said it is "working diligently" on "labeling changes that we feel accurately reflect the available data and the advice of the committees." The agency declined interview requests.
___

Kentucky passes Historic Acupuncture Law

2006-05-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Passes Historic Acupuncture Law

On April 24, 2006, after unanimous passage by the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives, Gov. Ernie Fletcher affixed his signature to House Bill 17, one of the first pieces of legislation voted on in the 2006 session. In so doing, Gov. Fletcher has made Kentucky the 43rd state in the U.S., and the second state in three months, to enact a law allowing for the practice of acupuncture by nonphysician acupuncturists.
"I've known people who have been helped tremendously with acupuncture," said state Rep. Denver Butler, chair of the House Licensing and Occupations Committee, who introduced the bill and was instrumental in its passage. "Acupuncture has been around for more than 4,000 years in China. The medical doctor may not be able to explain why, but it does help, and I felt that people deserved that opportunity to try it and be helped."

for more of the article and info go to www.acupuncturetoday.com

Folic Acid

2006-05-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Folic acid (or folate) is one of the few nutrients known to prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida, which affects about one in 1,000 pregnancies each year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control report that women who take the recommended daily dose of folic acid starting one month before they conceive and throughout the first trimester reduce their baby's risk of birth defects such as spina bifida by up to 70 percent.It doesn’t end at spina bifida, some studies have shown that women who don't get enough folic acid may increase their risk of miscarriage, as well as cleft lip and palate, limb defects, and certain types of heart defects in their babiesRemember that folic acid is needed for the production, repair, and functioning of DNA, our genetic map and a basic building block of cells, so getting enough is particularly important for the rapid cell growth that occurs during pregnancy. Folate is also required for a complex metabolic process that involves the conversion of the amino acid (homocysteine) into another amino acid (methionine). If you don't get enough folate, you can end up with too much homocysteine in the blood, which is thought to contribute to some birth defects. Elevated levels of homocysteine in pregnancy also have been linked to blood clots, placental abruption, recurrent miscarriages, and stillbirth. Researchers are trying to find out whether taking folic acid throughout pregnancy decreases your risk for these problems. Finally, folate helps make normal red blood cells, prevent anemia, and produce the nervous system chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin.

-dfh

Just FYI: Article on Pediatric Acupuncture

2006-04-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Below is a link for a 2002 article written by one of my mentors in pediatric acupuncture, Soma Glick. Unfortunately she moved from Colorado last year. I have found Pediatrics to be one of the most fascinating fields to work in and was fortunate to have her as a teacher many years ago.

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2002/oct/10glick.html

Happy Spring / 9 News Heath fair /credit cards

2006-04-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring!

Just wanted to give the link and a reminder that the 9news health fair is coming up April 22-30th. Great way of getting inexpensive health assessments done.

http://www.9healthfair.org/

I am glad to be back in the US and lovely to come home to such beautiful weather. But being that it is Colorado and April, I am sure it will snow sometime this week.

On a more business note, the office is now accepting credit cards (visa and MC).

Yours in Health,

Michelle

Health Fair and Upcoming Office Vacation

2006-03-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

I will be out of town..actually out of the country... from April 5th-17th. Please call me beforehand if you need any supplements for those weeks. I will be able to return all messages left after April 5th on Monday April 17th. If you need any acupuncture while I am gone, please call Allison Dinn. She is located in Denver near Wild Oats on Washington and her # is 303-733-4500. She does not do pediatrics, but does everything else and is very good. For pediatrics I would recommend Jake Fratkin in Boulder. Still trying to find a good referral here in Denver, so I apologize for not having a Metro area referral for pediatrics yet.

Also here is a link for the 9 news Heath Fair. It is a very low cost way of getting necessary blood tests and physical assessments done. I highly recommend taking advantage of this. If you get any tests done and would like me to go over the results with you, please feel free to bring them to your next visit.
http://www.9healthfair.org/

Yours in Health
Michelle

Ambien and sleep eating

2006-03-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

I also heard sleepwalking and sleep driving is being linked to this drug. Here is one article.

Unconscious food forays tied to Ambien sleep aid

The New York Times Salt Lake Tribune

The sleeping pill Ambien seems to unlock a primitive desire to eat in some patients, according to emerging medical case studies that describe how the drug's users sometimes sleepwalk into their kitchens, claw through their refrigerators like animals and consume calories ranging into the thousands. The next morning, the night eaters remember nothing about their foraging. But they wake up to find telltale clues - mouthfuls of peanut butter, Tostitos in their beds, kitchen counters overflowing with flour, missing food, and even lighted ovens and stoves. Some are so embarrassed, they delay telling anyone, even as they gain weight. ''These people are hell-bent to eat,'' said Mark Mahowald, director of the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center in Minneapolis and one of the sleep experts researching the problem. He and colleagues are preparing a scientific paper based on their findings - that a sleep-related eating disorder is one of the unusual side effects showing up with the widespread use of Ambien. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minn., have made similar findings. Most of the people who use Ambien say the drug puts them to sleep, and they wake up without incident. But several doctors and a number of report a variety of unusual reactions to the drug. The reactions range from fairly benign sleepwalking episodes to hallucinations, violent outbursts and, most troubling of all, driving while asleep, a subject explored in an article last week in The New York Times.

Just a Great Story

2006-03-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketball/2006-02-28-mcelwain-hollywood_x.htm

Make sure and hit the video link attached to the above page.

Heart Health

2006-03-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

The heart's main metabolic fuel is long-chain fatty acids, which are "burnt" in the heart muscle cells when oxygen is present. But if the heart can't utilize these fatty acids properly, they build up in the muscle tissue and damage it. Any defect in your ability to use these fatty acids will greatly increase your risk of angina pain if there is even a slight shortage of oxygen. The nutrients carnitine, pantethine and CoQ10 are all essential in the metabolism of fatty acids and prevent their accumulation in the heart muscle. Pantethine is a fundamental component of coenzyme A, which is involved in the transport of fatty acids to and from cells. Heart pantethine levels have been shown to drop during periods of reduced oxygen supply, so this nutrient is also likely to be of great benefit to angina sufferers (Jap. Heart J. 26: 289-96, 1985). Clinical trials have shown, incredibly, that carnitine at a dose of 600 mg a day is as effective as calcium channel blockers and other anti-angina drugs in reducing angina symptoms. (Drugs Exptl. Clin. Res. 10: 213-217, 1984).

Zicam

2006-02-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is from an email newsletter put out by a naturopath here in Denver. Thought it was interesting enough to post here since I have had many patients sing the praises of Zicam recently.

Zicam claims to be homeopathic Zincum gluconicum in 1 x potency. What this means in English is that it is a 10% solution of zinc gluconate. Typically homeopathic remedies are sold in much more dilute solutions. For example a 6 x potency is one part in a million of the original substance. A 12 x potency is one part in a billion. A 30 x potency is so dilute that there isn’t even a molecule of the original substance left. This is why homeopathic medicines are considered safe; there is little or nothing left to cause harm. In the case of Zicam, by calling it homeopathic and adopting the homeopathic terminology, the manufacturer found a way to market a 10% solution of zinc gluconate without FDA oversight. In other words Zicam is just an intranasal zinc solution. Intranasal zinc has been known to destroy the ability to smell in both animals and people. In the 1930s, zinc compounds were used in attempts to prevent polio. About 10% of the people who received the zinc compounds lost their sense of smell permanently. For years there had been no attempt to use intranasal zinc in humans. However because Zincam products fall under the homeopathic provision of FDA laws, these products are not required to get FDA approval before they were put on the market.By the way loss of smell is called anosmia. It is not even clear that these products are useful for treating colds. While two placebo-controlled trials found that intranasal zinc gluconate modestly shortened the duration of cold symptoms two other placebo-controlled studies found intranasal zinc to be of no benefit.In the most rigorously controlled of these studies, intranasal zinc gluconate did not affect the severity or duration of cold symptoms in volunteers inoculated with rhinovirus, a common cause of colds. These studies did find evidence of anosmia and warned about the condition. The reports stated that since zinc-associated anosmia may be irreversible. Earlier this month the manufacturers of Zicam agreed to pay $12 million dollars to settle a class action law suit brought by 340 consumers who had lost their ability to smell after using Zicam products. The company which made $46 million dollars in the first 9 months of 2005 does not plan to take their products off the market. Even with settling the lawsuits the products are still very profitable.Some people have told me they find Zicam an effective aid in treating their symptoms. Yet if we heed Hippocrates’ injunction to, First, Do no harm, we must consider Zicam an unacceptable risk and suggest not using it..

by Jacob Schor ND

Kids Health Link

2006-02-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

With the cold/flu season upon us, here is a link for some questions you may have regarding illnesses and their signs and symptoms.
http://kidshealth.org/index.html

Bird Flu Cases Rise

2006-02-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Tally of Human Bird Flu Cases Rises to 160

Hot spices and Leaky Gut

2006-02-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hot spices influence permeability of human intestinal epithelial monolayers.Jensen-Jarolim E, Gajdzik L, Haberl I, Kraft D, Scheiner O, Graf J.Department of General and Experimental Pathology, University Hospital AKH, Logo, Vienna, Austria.Indirect evidence suggests that hot spices may interact with epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract to modulate their transport properties. Using HCT-8 cells, a cell line from a human ileocoecal carcinoma, we studied the effects of spices on transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), permeability for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextrans with graded molecular weight, and morphological alterations of tight junctions by immunoflu! orescence using an anti-ZO-1 antibody, a marker for tight junction integrity. Two different reactivity patterns were observed: paprika and cayenne pepper significantly decreased the TER and increased permeability for 10-, 20- and 40-kDa dextrans but not for -70 kDa dextrans. Simultaneously, tight junctions exhibited a discontinuous pattern. Applying extracts from black or green pepper, bay leaf or nutmeg increased the TER and macromolecular permeability remained low. Immunofluorescence ZO-1 staining was preserved. In accordance with the above findings, capsaicin transiently reduced resistance and piperine increased resistance, making them candidates for causing the effects seen with crude spice extracts. The observation that Solanaceae spices (paprika, cayenne pepper) increase permeability for ions and macromolecules might be of pathophysiological importance, particularly with respect to food allergy and intolerance.

From Jo Phillips- DFH

Another Pediatric health site

2006-01-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a link regarding Vitamin D in Pregnancy and the website link where you can find more information regarding pediatric health issues.

http://www.hpakids.org/holistic-health/

Friday Fun Facts from Designs for Health

2006-01-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some 'Friday fun facts' that were sent from Designs for Health. Thought I would share a few here.

#1.
Research as far back as 1975 told us that hyperactive children have low levels of serotonin. Oral doses of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) resulted in an appreciable increase in the serotonin content and a very large increase in the PLP (pyridoxal phosphate) content of blood in these hyperactive patients according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. Click here for related abstract.

#2.
There is evidence that H. Pylori infection may be the cause of stomach autoimmune disease that leads to decrease in stomach acid production and intrinsic factor production, that leads to B12 deficiency, that leads to pernicious anemia. Click here for related abstract.

#3.
SAMe protects against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in mice. Click here for related abstract

Heavy Metals, Methylation Info

2006-01-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Received this link from a colleague here in Denver who works extensively with chelation and Heavy Metals. If you are interested in this and want to know more I will gladly pass on his info to you, just call or email me.

Dr.-Yasko-MTHFr,-Methylation,-&-Metals-DVD

Go Australia!

2006-01-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

A survey of more than 3000 South Australians during 2004 found 52.2 per cent used complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM), such as herbal remedies, aromatherapy and Chinese medicine. This is higher than other regions of the world such as the US where a 2004 study estimated a third of the population to be using CAM. CAM includes herbal medicines, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplements, homeopathic medicines and aromatherapy products. The new study also included a range of therapies like chiropractic, osteopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy and acupuncture. In the Australian research, nearly 40 % of CAM users were taking vitamins, more than 20 % took herbal medicines and 13.6 % were taking mineral supplements.

Health websites...Just FYI

2006-01-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a site with interesting information regarding various health issues. http://www.heartspring.net/ I also had a patient ask about a site to look up various neurological medications and their possible side effects. This one is run by a layperson, not a MD or pharmaceutical company, so it has a real sense of humor. It is http://www.crazymeds.org/

* disclaimer*
I am not responsible for the info listed on these sites or any sites I list on this blog. With that legal thing out of the way...hope you had a great New Years!

Bug Connection?

2005-12-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Went to the Butterfly Pavillion in Broomfield today and saw this banner in the bug room that read "The FDA allows remnants of bugs to be in certain foods such as Peanut Butter, Tomato Paste and Chocolate ". These are 3 of the most common food allergies I see. (Especially with kids). Maybe its the bug remnants in those stubborn allergy cases? Just a thought.

Autism

2005-12-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

I have had a couple families ask me for some extra resources regarding Autism. Below is a link for Unique Prints, an occupational therapy center located here in Denver.
http://www.uniqueprints-si-therapy.com/

And then here is a website with some info I found interesting featuring the work of Dr. Amy Yasko.
http://www.autismanswer.com/

Gluten Free Help...

2005-12-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

It may have been suggested by your practitioner to cut out all Gluten......much easier said than done. But here is a link to a local bakery where they make some great Gluten free goodies.

http://www.debysglutenfree.com/

Heartburn medications

2005-12-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

This may be interesting to some of you taking the "little purple pill". Next time you go to the pharmacy/drugstore....look at how the OTC medications are laid out (what is next to what, etc). Gives you an idea of what the side effects may be. For example pain meds may be next to diuretics/laxatives.

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Diarrhea
By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer

CHICAGO - Holiday revelers beware: Seasonal indulgences like eggnog and fruitcake might give you heartburn, but the acid-fighting medicine you take for relief might lead to something worse, researchers say.
People on popular prescription heartburn drugs _ Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium _ seem more prone to getting a potentially dangerous diarrhea caused by the bug Clostridium difficile, new research shows. C-diff, as it's known, can cause severe diarrhea and crampy intestinal inflammation called colitis.
Dr. Sandra Dial and colleagues at McGill University in Montreal examined data on more than 18,000 patients in the United Kingdom from 1994 to 2004. During that time, 1,672 cases of C-diff were diagnosed, and the numbers increased from less than 1 per 100,000 in 1994 to 22 per 100,000 last year.
Patients with prescriptions for powerful acid-fighters called proton pump inhibitors, which include Prilosec and Prevacid, were almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with the bug than those not taking the drugs. Those on less potent prescription drugs called H2 receptor antagonists, which include Pepcid and Zantac, were two times more likely than nonusers to get C-diff infections.
The widely used and heavily promoted drugs reduce levels of gastric acid that can keep C-diff germs at bay.
Dr. L. Clifford McDonald, a researcher at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said proton pump inhibitors recently were implicated in a C-diff outbreak at a hospital and nursing homes in Maine.
"It's not surprising in my mind that there could be some association" with acid-fighting drugs, said McDonald, who was not involved in Dial's study. If there is, "I do think it would be very important because, boy, everyone and their brother seems to be on them."
Most study patients hadn't been recently hospitalized and weren't taking antibiotics, which both can increase risks for C-difficile infections.
Also, most patients hadn't been diagnosed with ulcers or acid reflux, so it's possible many simply had heartburn, Dial said.
"Heartburn in and of itself isn't dangerous," and can often be treated with less potent drugs, Dial said.
Her study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.
A co-author is a consultant for AstraZeneca Inc., which markets Prilosec and Nexium, and Altana Pharma, which makes and markets another prescription heartburn drug, Protonix, in Europe. A spokesman for Wyeth, which markets Protonix in the United States, said the company hadn't seen the research and declined comment.
AstraZeneca spokeswoman Cindy Callaghan said patient safety is the company's top priority and that the findings are not the final word.
"Further research is needed in this particular area to determine the validity of a potential link," she said.
C-diff bacteria historically have been found in patients on antibiotics or with underlying illnesses, especially those in hospitals or nursing homes, but infections increasingly have been reported in the community.
Doctors think the growing trend is due in part to overuse of antibiotics but the new data suggest overuse of acid-fighting drugs may be another reason, said Dr. Michael Brown, a gastroenterologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who was not involved in the study.
The drugs are popular because they are so effective at fighting stomach acid, and are generally very safe, Brown said.
Brown said short-term use of potent acid-fighting drugs for occasional over-imbibing is unlikely to increase infection risks in otherwise healthy people, but that the results suggest doctors and patients "have to think twice about using such heavy acid suppression" over the long term.